With the London summer hitting scorched earth temperatures, we needed a quick getaway, so we hit the road for the Cotswolds. With its honey golden stone cottages, it’s ancient bridges crossing the narrowest parts of the Thames, its sheep dotted meadows and the quaintest pubs in England, it is the perfect weekend escape from the big city.
There are many quick getaways from London, but none as charming as the Cotswolds. It feels like a trip back in time, and I can picture merchants and inn keepers from centuries past walking the same paths, coming out of their homes and shops. It all looks the same today, except for the people.
Our Bed & Breakfast in the 12th century town of Witney was the Corncroft Guest House, built in the 1700s. We had a charming room with a four poster bed and another in the corner for the little one, and plenty of room for our labradoodle too, who was very welcome there. A perfectly poached egg on toast, with French press coffee greeted me every morning; my absolute favourite breakfast. Wonderful antiques shops dotted the street and I got lost working my way through the back rooms.
While I could spend everyday walking through the historic towns and admiring the thatched roof cottages, we are always looking for kid friendly activities to keep our 9 year old entertained. The Cotswold Farm Park was the perfect retreat for her. With oodles of animals to admire, she named her favourite goats, pigs and cows as we walked through the farm, and with our bag of nuggets to feed them we were their best friends, they all jockeying for our attention. A litter of piglets feeding on their mum was too sweet for words. Our daughter tried out the zip lining, and playgrounds and bouncy balls, but the animals won her heart, and ours.
A cozy pub is always a good idea, and as we prefer to eat al fresco these days, (given the current state of affairs), we headed to The Maybush with its spacious garden and plenty of social distancing. It sits right on the Thames and we went for a short walk which ended when I electrocuted myself on the fence while taking pictures of the cows. I felt it all the way down to my ankles and immediately announced that it was time for a pint. (They do need to make those signs larger!)
In England you are never far from a palace, castle or historic house, and Blenheim Palace is one of the grandest. The home of the Dukes of Marlborough, it was built in the early 18th century, as a gift to John Churchill, the 1st Duke, “from Queen Anne and a grateful nation for his military triumphs at the Battle of Blenheim”. Having seen and loved the film The Favourite, it was a treat to see this palace, which is one of the largest in England. The stories these walls could tell: intrigue, exile, military battles, forced marriages, and in the 20th century, parties, drugs and arrests. With few guests and social distancing in place, we felt like we had the place to ourselves.
On night two we decided to stay close to home and crossed the street to The Three Horseshoes public house, which had a lovely garden out back. The meal was phenomenal. As much as I love pubs, many of them are not know for fine cuisine. I ordered the roast duck and it was perfectly done.
At 75 minutes from the city, The Cotswolds is an easy getaway. And with so many adorable towns, shops, pubs and sheep still to visit, we’ll be back soon!
Al & A wagner
Another very enjoyable blog. Brought back fond memories of our trip to the Cotswolds several years ago.
Ariane Trimuschat
Thank you! Hopefully you can visit again soon!
John
I enjoyed reading your story and watching your pictures of rural England.
Very nicely written too.
Congratulations!
Big kiss
Ariane Trimuschat
Thank you John! It’s hard to get a bad shot, everything is charming in the Cotswolds.
Torrie Groening
All that charm is so close to London?! Antiques, piglets and garden lunches? Have you discovered an alternative to that California gem you surely must be missing? “Ariane, Ariane…we miss you” xox Wine Country
Ariane Trimuschat
Miss you too Torrie! How are things in Vancouver?
Liv Trim
Wow. I am speechless. This is so good.
Ariane Trimuschat
What a review! Thanks!
Penny Hampson
Thank you for a lovely post on a part of the world I’m now lucky enough to call home.
Ariane Trimuschat
Thank you Penny, you are lucky indeed. I absolutely love the Cotswolds!
Katherine
Looks dreamy… and romantic!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Fran
This piece, especially including your gorgeous photos, was just a giant treat. Return trip to a favorite (I should say favourite!) part of England. Keep your eye out for more Morlands, as in sign at the Three Horseshoe pub. Those are my ancestors, whence came the (maiden name part of) Fran Moreland Johns. My dad said they were all around N. England and Scotland. I claim all the rich & famous ones, but not the crooks & deadbeats, so I’ll leave that discernment to you. Hugs to you three from way back on the left coast. Miss you! 💕